Here’s a classic cinnamon roll recipe that’s sure to be a hit! This recipe makes soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls with a sweet, sticky glaze.
Ingredients:
For the dough:
- 1 cup (240 ml) warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (or 1 packet)
- 1/2 cup (115 g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 4 cups (480 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional for extra flavor)
For the filling:
- 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200 g) packed brown sugar
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the icing:
- 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk (or heavy cream)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Prepare the dough:
- In a bowl, combine warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast on top, stir gently, and let it sit for about 5 minutes, until it becomes frothy.
- Add melted butter, salt, and eggs to the yeast mixture. Stir to combine.
- Gradually add the flour and cinnamon (if using), one cup at a time, mixing after each addition.
- Knead the dough by hand or with a stand mixer (using a dough hook) for about 5–7 minutes, until it’s smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
2. Prepare the filling:
- In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt until smooth.
3. Assemble the rolls:
- Punch down the dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle, about 16 x 12 inches.
- Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, leaving about 1 inch of space on the edges.
- Roll the dough tightly from the long side into a log.
- Cut the log into 12 even pieces using a serrated knife or dental floss.
- Place the cinnamon rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover with a towel and let them rise for another 30–45 minutes until puffy.
4. Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown on top.
5. Prepare the icing:
- While the rolls bake, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl until smooth.
- Once the rolls are done baking, let them cool slightly before drizzling with the icing.
6. Serve:
- Serve warm and enjoy your homemade cinnamon rolls!
Tip: If you prefer a thicker icing, add a little more powdered sugar. For a fun twist, you can add chopped nuts (like pecans) or raisins to the filling!
